Priestley-2021-prospectus-lo-res

A-Level
Biology
EXAM BOARD: AQA
REASONS TO STUDY THIS COURSE
3 You are interested in the science of life and how
organisms function and interact.
3 Biology affects everyone through medical science and
scientific developments such as curing genetic
diseases, developing drugs, fertility treatments and
improving nutrition.
3 You want to study changes in the environment and
how species are affected..
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
Year 1 (AS) – biological molecules, cells, organisms
exchange substances with their environment, genetic
information, variation and relationships between organisms.
Year 2 (A-Level) – energy transfers in and between
organisms, how organisms respond to changes in their
internal and external environments, genetics,
populations, evolution and ecosystems and the control
of gene expression.
HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED
Year 1 (AS) – two 1.5-hour exams
Year 2 (A-Level) – three two-hour exams
(including an essay)
Practical skills will be assessed throughout the course
and in the written exams.
Progress will be monitored through assessments and
progress tests.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE
THIS COURSE
• average GCSE grade of 4.8 or above
• minimum GCSE Grade 5 in GCSE Science, Maths and
English Language
RECOMMENDED READING
‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ and ‘The Selfish Gene’, by
Richard Dawkins. ‘Bad Science’ by Ben Goldacre.
‘Genome’ by Matt Ridley. ‘Nine Pints A Journey Through
the Mysterious World of Blood’ by Rose George.
‘A Short History of Nearly Everything’ and ‘The Body’,
both by Bill Bryson. ‘Gulp’ by Mary Roach.
PROGRESSION
Wide range of career opportunities from Medicine,
Veterinary Science, Environmental Health, Pharmacy,
Sports Science, Animal Health and Psychology to
Teaching and Television, Management and Marketing.
A-Level
Business
EXAM BOARD: AQA
REASONS TO STUDY THIS COURSE
3 It offers insight into a range of issues and business
behaviour affecting organisations today.
3 Find out what it takes to become a manager or
entrepreneur.
3 Develop a critical understanding of business activities on a
local, national and global scale.
3 Explore how businesses adapt and respond strategically to
a changing environment.
3 Gain an understanding of the business decision-making
process.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
Year 1 (AS) – management, leadership, decision making,
stakeholders, marketing, finance and business operations.
Year 2 (A-Level) – business strategy including strategic
decision-making, strategic methods and managing strategic
change.
HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED
Year 1 (AS) – two 1.5-hour exams
Year 1 (A-Level) – three two-hour exams
Exams will be a mixture of multiple choice, short answer
questions and extended questions, including essays.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE
THIS COURSE
• GCSE English and Maths minimum Grade 4
• ability to use and analyse data
• interest in current affairs
• willingness to carry out background reading and to work
independently
• confidence to take part in discussions
PROGRESSION
Degree courses including Accounting and Financial
Management, Business and Economics, Business
Management, Marketing, Product Innovation and
Development and Fashion Retailing. Careers and further
training posts have recently included AAT trainees and a
selection of apprenticeships. Some students choose this A-
Level as they have an ambition to run their own business.
Business Education is increasingly valuable for young adults as
it provides the skills that employers are looking for, and the
knowledge that is becoming essential in a modern economy.
The skills you develop are vital for a range of careers.
PRIESTLEY EXTRA
Field trips and day trips, which may include Christmas
lectures and practical workshops. You could enter the Royal
Society of Biology Olympiad, have the chance to represent
Priestley College in the Biology Challenge and get involved
in college open events.
PRIESTLEY EXTRA
Business trips and talks such as JLR and Alton Towers. Revision
conferences and simulations. Opportunities to demonstrate
innovation, leadership and teambuilding skills through The
National Skills Challenge and The Tenner Competition.
priestley.ac.uk 01925 415415